People can now take standardized tests from the comfort of their own homes. Something unprecedented until now. The GMAT is one such exam. Ensure your test-taking environment complies with the policies and procedures before beginning your GMAT online exam. Taking the GMAT from home would be a new experience for each of you, but you can prepare to make it more fruitful.
We all have a lot of questions, don't we? Such inquiries have been addressed in this article.
There was a reason why the GMAT was given in a testing center. A test center provides the ideal environment where you can concentrate on the test and forget about everything else for 2.5 hours.
Now you must recreate that environment at home while taking the GMAT, which is problematic. To assist you in overcoming this challenge, we'll share a few pointers on how to prepare your room for the GMAT in this article.
Finding the Spot
Finding the ideal location in your home suitable for taking the GMAT is very important. Finding a designated area to take the test will help you focus, improving your results. The following are some tips for locating a convenient home testing location:
1. Quiet Area
Ensure the location is free from noise, particularly disturbances inside your home. Don't, for instance, pick your living room because you might be distracted if your family decides to hang out there.
Pick a location away from the window. Because staring out the window might cause you to become distracted.
2. Lighting
Lighting is also an important aspect. Cold light sources, such as LEDs and fluorescent lights, do not require heat to produce light. As a result, natural light from your window will be less effective than light from your room's CFLs or tube lights.
3. Internet Speed
A strong internet connection means a more reliable and faster connection. Wired ethernet is the best way to ensure a strong internet connection. If that is not possible and you are using Wi-Fi, test the connection strength in different areas of your room. Strongly connected to the internet via ethernet or wi-fi with a signal strength of -30 to -50 dBm. You can also check the internet speed by browsing the internet speed checker on your browser.
4. Room Temperature
A hot or cold temperature will distract you and cause you to make more mistakes. So, what exactly is the ideal temperature?
According to a study, productivity is highest when the temperature is between 72°F and 77°F (22°C and 25°C). Errors increase as the range is narrowed or expanded.
5. Mirrors and written material
Choose a location with no writing on the walls or in your immediate vicinity. Remove or cover any mirrors and cover any writing in your surroundings. Find a location away from a window/balcony, away from familial distractions that is lit with cold light, has an ideal temperature, a strong internet signal, and is free of mirrors or any written material.
System related Tips
1. Webcam
You will be monitored via webcam while taking the GMAT online. So, webcam is mandatory. You'll also be asked to use your webcam to show your surroundings. As a result, arrange your laptop in such a way that you can rotate it.
2. Run a system test at least 48 hours prior to your test
You'll find a link to run a system test to ensure your device meets the basic system requirements in your confirmation email.
Creating a more ergonomic spot
The test will last 2.5 hours. As a result, maintain a neutral, relaxed posture while taking the GMAT. A neutral position reduces the strain on your muscles and joints. This indicates that your back is supported, your shoulders are relaxed, and your arms are at your sides.
Here are a few ideas to make your space more ergonomic and comfortable:
1. Chair
Finding the right chair is essential, but you don't have to spend much on those expensive ergonomic chairs. Moreover, even if you want to, you will not be able to buy one during this time. Just a few tweaks and you will be good to go:
● Back Support: Sit back so that the curvature of your chair supports the curve of your back.
● Height: Adjust the height, so your feet are flat on the floor. Use a footrest if necessary.
● Seat pan: The seat pan should support the entire thigh without cutting into the calves, and there should be enough room for 2-3 fingers between the border of the chair and the back of the calf.
2. Monitor
Unlike popular opinion, your eyes should not land in the centre of the computer screen. Instead, they should land in the upper quarter of the screen. This positions your neck comfortably.
● Distance: The monitor should be at least an arm's length away. You can compensate for being too far away by leaning forward. Since you'll be reading a lot when taking the GMAT, you wouldn't want to shift your posture too much
● Height: Your head should be slightly angled downward. This positions your head and neck in a more ergonomic working position. If you require more height, consider using a monitor riser or a stack of books.
3. Whiteboard
You have the option to use the on-screen whiteboard or a physical whiteboard. You will be allowed the option to use 1 erasable whiteboard that is no larger than 12 inches x 20 inches (30 cm x 50 cm), up to 2 dry erase markers, and 1 dry erase whiteboard eraser during your exam session.
The following items are NOT allowed*:
• Whiteboards with grids or other markings
• Whiteboards with background colors
• Paper
• Pen / Pencil
• Permanent Marker
• Tissues, Paper Towels, Napkins
• Whiteboard cleaning spray
• Paper in a clear slide
• Boogie Boards
• Chalkboards
• Writing Tablets
*These are some examples of prohibited items, not a comprehensive list
Talk to your Family
Because you'll be taking the GMAT from home, you'll need your family's help. obtaining their participation can significantly increase your GMAT score. Here are a few ideas:
● Share your intention to take the GMAT and your test date in advance of your scheduled session. Share what limitations you anticipate from them when taking the GMAT.
● Take your GMAT mock test at the same time as your appointment. Place a sign outside your room stating that you are currently taking the test and do not want to be interrupted. That way, your family members will become accustomed to the constraints they must adhere to while you take the GMAT in a matter of days.
Taking the GMAT at home is a significant adjustment, therefore limiting additional changes should be your current plan. If you set up your space to simulate the test centre, you've avoided one alteration.
As a result, while taking the GMAT, make sure you condition yourself and follow the guidelines to create a good test atmosphere.
All the Best!